Renewables & Energy Conservation at Home

by Keith LineProject Manager & Certified Home Energy Auditor

Green Home Care Incorporatedwww.greenhomecareinc.com

RenewablesRenewable energy is an energy coming from natural resources like sun, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat

Using renewable energy minimizes the need for fossil fuels

Energy at HomeThe best way to save natural resources is to use less energy in the first place

Every time we turn on a computer, light switch or purchase something, we are likely using a non-renewable resource

Energy at HomeKeeping these purchases to a minimum, growing our own food, and utilizing energy efficient methods at home is a better solution than relying on any outside power source

This is impractical but something we can strive for to minimize our impact

Energy at HomeHow do we use less energy at home?

Turn off lights, computers, TV’s and appliances when not in use

When in use, ensure that lights are CFL or LED, computers are running on battery whenever charged & TV’s and appliances are Energy Star rated

Energy at HomeHow do we use less energy at home?

Target the biggest energy offenders at home

Refrigerators & Heating \ Air Conditioners are the biggest energy consumers

Energy at HomeHow do we use less energy at home?

Target the biggest energy offenders at home

Replace refrigerators and HVAC units with the most affordable Energy Star models you can find to save up to $200 per year!

Energy at HomeHow do we use less energy at home?

If you have a laptop computer, use the battery whenever it’s fully charged. Not using the battery is a waste of energy and can reduce your consumption by up to 50%, depending on usage and computer

Energy at HomeHow do we use less energy at home?

Insulate - Insulate - Insulate

Ductwork, attic, basement, crawlspace, walls, doors and windows

Stop paying to heat and cool the outside world

Air Sealing a HomeWe all know to insulate - but what about air-sealing?

Cellulose and fiberglass insulation do not stop air from flowing through the home. This causes hot and cold areas that are uncomfortable and costly. Air sealing stops this from happening and can save you money

Air Sealing a HomeAir sealing a home with spray foam and caulk is a fantastic way to cut down on our usage of fossil fuels because almost all homes use fossil fuel to heat and cool

Radiant BarriersIf your home is in a sunny location and especially if it’s a single-floor home, add a radiant barrier to your attic to drastically reduce the amount of heat being transferred into your home

A radiant barrier can reduce thermal transfer by up to 97%! - And it’s cheap!

Reusing WaterRain barrels are a great way to utilize the water captured at our homes

But take care on where you use that water. Roof contaminants should probably not be used to water vegetable and fruit gardens

Reusing WaterRain barrels are a great way to utilize the water captured at our homes

Consider a RainSaucer to capture water away from the home to use on food

Reusing WaterRain barrels are a great way to utilize the water captured at our homes

Make sure the home is not damaged by overflow water running into the foundation (i.e. use a well designed rain barrel!)

Reusing WaterSome water from the home can be used again, but be careful - detergents and contaminants can have unwanted consequences on the health of our homes

Saving GroundwaterConsider getting pervious pavers or a pervious concrete driveway and sidewalk

This allows water to run through the concrete and into the water ground where it belongs - and not through the storm sewer system

Saving GroundwaterPervious concrete can be less icy in the winter because it doesn’t allow water to pool

This should also reduce heat-islanding because it doesn’t retain heat the same way blacktop does - once again, let’s stop trying to heat the outside world

ProductsMost of the products we purchase from phones to tables to appliances use fossil fuels to create

Renewable energy can be used to power machines that build things, but not for actual consumables

The goal is to simply try and use less

ProductsThis is easier said than done, but imagine if we all cut down our dependence on non-renewables by even 10% - multiply that by millions, if not billions of people doing the same

For the products we do use, try to use recycled materials and recycle what we do already own

Renewables at HomeShould we add solar panels to our homes? Yes! Prices are coming down. Solar panels can be used to directly power our home, sell energy back to the grid (make money!) and heat water - rebates are available

All new homes should be required to have some solar

Renewables at HomeIf you have a large lot, adding an affordable wind turbine is a great solution. Shop around! There are non-big brand alternatives that are much more affordable than you might think

PlumbingGet a Watersense toilet and Batavia will give you a $50 rebate - save water and save money - other cities may have similar rebates

Get aerators for all faucets

Get low-flow shower heads

Questions & Answers

Thank You!

Renewables & Energy Conservation at Home

by Keith LineProject Manager & Certified Home Energy Auditor

Green Home Care Incorporatedwww.greenhomecareinc.com